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Keep your eyes peeled for the pretty mint green Claville truck the next time you’re out and about in RVA! (Photo by Mike Topham Photography)
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The name Claville Fashion Truck comes from - you guessed it - Claudia’s name. (Photo by Mike Topham Photography)
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Villegas keeps the truck interior bright, airy and fresh with whitewashed walls, feminine accents and, of course, the brightly colored printed clothes. (Photo by Mike Topham Photography)
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Layer up on long necklaces this spring; Claville has quite the treasure trove of dainty, fun necklaces that would look awesome paired together. (Photo by Mike Topham Photography)
I love food as much as the next girl. I can get excited about a new doughnut flavor at Sugar Shack and will wait in line at Kuba Kuba for Huevos Rancheros. But do I get pumped about food trucks? No, I do not. When it comes to my meals, I like to plan my meals ahead so the “catch us when you can” mentality doesn’t really do it for me. Plus— where do you even eat?! On the ground? Ah, but a fashion truck? Now there’s a mobile service I can totally get behind. Fashion is a constantly changing industry; trends come and go at lightning quick speed so it makes sense to buy your clothes on the go too.
RVA has our very own fashion truck, Claville, and I chatted with owner Claudia Villegas to get up to speed on her background in fashion, what drove her to open a fashion truck and what spring trends she’s green lighting for her shop (all puns absolutely intended).
blvd: Hi, Claudia! Can you tell me about your background and how you started Claville?
Claudia Villegas: Hi there! I’ve lived in Richmond for 13 years. I earned my degree in fashion design and worked as a designer and seamstress before opening the fashion truck in 2014. As for how Claville got started, I was browsing the internet for small business opportunities and came across a fashion truck in Cincinnati. I decided to open Claville that night!
blvd: Why did you choose a truck over a traditional brick and mortar store? What are some advantages you’ve found to having a truck?
CV: I like the novelty of having a truck; I can go to festivals, have parties at people's houses and move around every day! Another advantage is that I can bring Manolo (my puppy and fashion truck mascot) with me anywhere we go!
Additionally, customers’ shopping experiences are more personalized. Our boutique is intimate and we can guide customers through our inventory and make suggestions based on what they're looking for or their body type. Because I also work as a bridal seamstress, I can help to customize their favorite pieces from the truck.
blvd: Did you have to do major renovations to the truck when you got started? Who is part of the Claville team?
CV: Our truck was originally a delivery truck so we gutted and renovated the entire interior! My husband built all of our storage and fixtures. I have a team; we have a Marketing Manager, Katlyn, and a Sales Associate, Kristen. Plus, my husband drives the truck for us!
blvd: What kind of styles can customers expect from Claville?
CV: Our inventory is very flowy and more of a resort-wear style. We choose pieces that you can easily accessorize and throw on with leggings or jeans. Our spring inventory features bold colors and patterns. My style is reflected in much of the inventory on the truck; I like striking colors and prints.
So if you didn’t know— now you know! You can keep up with Claville’s comings and goings on Instagram and Facebook.
